Everyone's Confused About The Weather

The calendar says it's Spring, and yesterday was magnificent with temperatures in the high 60's; but today Walla Walla was treated with an early morning snowfall. I say treated because it was beautiful - big fluffy flakes falling down and settling on blossoming trees. Crazy!

The rest of the morning rain washed the winter white away, but I wonder what toll the storm took on the flowering fruit trees and grapevines in the valley. Hopefully all will survive and Spring will continue to fight for its rightful place in the year.

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen - Every Picture Tells A Story

More To Winter Than Just Being Cold

Winter is more than just about the weather, this time of year is something more. When the cold keeps us indoors for extended lengths of time, we are able to spend more time inside our head with thoughts that are only our own.

We try to fight it by purposeless busyness and the obsession of being productive. But perhaps we should give in to the stillness. Shouldn't we really embrace the gift of quiet that we are given. The winter season, more than the others, forces me into a state of pondering life, wondering about my purpose and seeking out God's plan for my future.

The weekend started out on Friday with a trip to Dayton to watch my granddaughter, back to Walla Walla, then off to Waitsburg in the evening for my daughter's birthday celebration. On Saturday, I felt the desire to hunker down, and I spent the rest of the weekend indoors and alone. The following 48 hours were a roller coaster of emotion about life and purpose. Responsibilities and tasks laying in wait were put on hold while I looked through my window at a cold winter day. I felt personally as frozen as what I saw – purposeless and powerless.

What I most want to share is that this emotional upheaval lead to prayer and a personal journey I was so blessed to take. The most important lesson I learned is that sometimes it takes stillness that winter provides to give us the opportunity to take the time to explore who we are and were we're being led.

jimgermanbar - A Must While in Walla Walla

Jim and Claire's "jimgermanbar" in Waitsburg is a must see while visiting Walla Walla. On a recent visit, I captured a few pictures that I wanted to share. While known for classic cocktails such as Gilligan's Batida, Gin Rickey, and The Terrorist, perhaps not everyone knows that Jim and Claire offer more. Seasonal selections are posted on butcher paper and feature etruscan snacks and entrees. Also, don't forget to ask for Claire's famous cupcakes. Enjoy!

If You Have A Door Like This, Please Don't Throw It In The City Dump

Why is it that Walla Walla doesn't have a method for reusing highly sought after building materials. I need a front door like the one pictured and it disturbs me that there are probably a bunch of them, along with other vintage treasures in the city dump. Having a resale store for building materials and architectural salvage run by a non-profit is a win-win situation for Walla Walla.

First of all, it makes sense. Our community is supportive of sustainability and is promoting greener practices. We need to lessen the amount of waste and recycle, especially when there is a secondary market for the highly sought after usable products.

Secondly, if Walla Walla had a non-profit willing to run a reuse center, as other communities have, contractors and homeowners could donate these items. The benefit of tax write-offs is substantial.

Thirdly, a non-profit reuse center could provide employment and job training. Retired tradesmen could be enlisted to mentor and offer their talents in such ways as appliance repair, electrical rewiring, woodworking and more. This project would be perfect for The Sustainability Center if supplied with some sort of grant for start-up costs.

And finally, there are people like me in Southeast Washington that treasure the quality and uniqueness of vintage architectural salvage and would welcome a local source.

Unfortunately, I passed up this beautiful door from The Restore in Ballard because I was unsure of the size; and my SUV could only hold two interior doors and several ceiling fixtures. By the time I got back to Walla Walla and rethought the idea of trekking back to Seattle, the door was gone. I'm still looking for my solid mahogany period door to grace the entry to The Haven. Both of my current exterior doors are cheap, cheesy, non-wood products purchased from a local big box supplier before my time. If anyone knows of a door available, stop the truck headed to the dump, and send them my way.

Springtime Is Upon Us

Springtime in Walla Walla is like no other. The blossoming trees and blooming bulbs in most every yard are a sight to see while walking the beautiful neighborhoods around downtown. On my travels, I continue to shake my head in acknowledgement that I finally get it. Coming from a land that has no major temperature changes throughout the year, I never understood those that said they loved seasons. Praise the Lord - I now get it.

It was about four years ago.... I was sitting at the bar at Whitehouse Crawford contemplating moving to Walla Walla, but fearful of the weather. I asked the bartender friend of my daughter, Jenna how he had adapted to "seasons." His philosophical approach about seasons having more to do with just the weather got my attention.

Now that I have been in Walla Walla for several years, I know that there is a cycle to the year and we are part of that. To me, springtime represents a renewal after a winter season of quiet contemplation. Projects happen and new ideas are put in place. Summer for me is a time for casual simple pleasure. Fall is a time to wind down, celebrate our bounty, and to prepare.

While enjoying the seasons in Walla Walla, I still find myself struggling not to be barefoot year-round. I suppose that you can take the girl out of Southern California, but you can't take Southern California out of the girl. But that is a story for another time. Now is the time to get busy.

Airline Regulations Discourage Wine Purchases in Walla Walla

I've noticed that the recent airline policy that charges for checked baggage discourages wine purchases in Walla Walla and wonder if the Wine Alliance is addressing this issue.

The airline policy really hit home with me when I traveled to Napa Valley this past weekend. I was really there for a family event, but being a wine lover I felt the urge to do "a bit of tasting." Unfortunately, I thought twice about the "real cost" of buying wine when traveling. I came home, luggage in tow, empty-handed.

Tourists that fly into Walla Walla for a weekend generally carry on their luggage when flying on Alaska Airlines or Horizon. Whether they do this to avoid a $15 charge to check a bag or not, I can't say. But what I do know is that I've witnessed winery guests opting out of a purchase because they would then have to check a bag because of the regulation not allowing liquids in carry-on bags. This is unfortunate.

This policy is not just affecting tourists, but local residents who want to take a sampling of Walla Walla wine when traveling. Numerous times in the last few years I have wanted to take a few bottles in my carry-on bag or travel with a case of wine, but I change my mind because of airline policies. If I am deterred because of airline policy, I wonder who else isn't sharing Walla Walla wine when traveling.

Not only are we losing sales in town, but we're also losing an opportunity to promote Walla Walla wine outside of our region.

Dog Day Afternoon

It was a canine party at the Walla Walla Dog Park today and all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds converged with their owners in tow to take part in a summer afternoon of fun and frolic.

A dog park is an interesting concept, and for some pets it can be a little overwhelming. The owners all seem well-behaved by adhering to the rules, and being mindful of poop and such. But once your pet is off the leash you never know if your dog will mind their manners. Everyone was having a good time, even while sharing the refreshments. But unfortunately, when it came to sharing attention with the other dogs, Jessie didn't do well.

I'm sorry to say that today my dog Jessie wasn't the ideal party guest. I took her to the dog park for her benefit - she loves to run and play; and this was a perfect opportunity to mix and mingle and make a few four-legged friends. However, she hung pretty close to me, giving a little growl to those that came near. She's really a friendly fun-loving dog, but why does she get so jealous when I pay attention to another pup. Needless to say - Jessie and I left the party early. We'll be sure to work on a little "doggie etiquette" and give it try on another day.

The Walla Walla Dog Park is a great addition to the community - if you haven't done so already, take your pup and give it a try.

Summer Dining - It's Officially The Season

It's that time of year to enjoy outdoor dining. What could be better than a casual dinner with a friend at WhoopemUp in Waitsburg. The drive up-valley through rolling hills of farmland set the tone for a relaxing evening. The patio was the perfect spot to enjoy our summer meal.

Everything looked so appetizing that we had to share. I highly recommend the ravioli, which is not my usual summertime meal of choice, but it was light, lovely, and passing it up was not an option.

We savored every bite of The Whoopemup Ravioli - housemade filled with fresh Monteillet Farm goat cheese, leeks and herbs and topped with fennel creme sauce and preserved lemon. AND The Slippery Tail Lobster Ravioli with reggiano parmesano and sweet peppers. We also shared, and devoured The Sunday Best Lemon Chiffon Cake - with strawberry mascarpone, frozen mousse, and seasonal berry compote.

I encourage all to make the drive from Walla Walla, or anywhere in the valley, and enjoy a delightful summer dinner at The WhoopemUp.

American Legion Post Building Becomes Public Art

The American Legion Post Building in Waitsburg recently became a conceptual art piece overnight when painted as a black and white image of a flag.

The painting of the American flag was intended to honor the military while provoking thought about the future - it was commissioned by owner, Charles Smith. Smith is the owner of K Vintners in Walla Walla and is known for his whimsical black and white wine labels.

This new addition to Waitsburg has garnered its share of controversy amongst the townfolk, but as a public art piece and expression of free speech I think it is worth experiencing.

SuperHost Training Given by Tourism Walla Walla

Recognition was given to local businesses in Walla Walla this week that had completed SuperHost - a customer service training program.

Tourism Walla Walla brought the SuperHost training program to town to train local businesses so that each visitor receives a Warm Walla Walla welcome, friendly service, and an invitation to come back again.

SuperHost is an internationally recognized program created in British Columbia in preparation for the 1985 Expo.

Sue Bicknell, owner of Haven Walla Walla - a lodging and tourism business, is one of the recent recognized SuperHost businesses. She is pictured at the ceremony with Michael Davidson and Chris Erickson of Tourism Walla Walla.

Up, Up, and Away - Balloon Stampede 2009

May 10, 2009

What an amazing site I witnessed on Mother's Day soaring over Walla Walla with 30 other balloons. The flight with Captain Crystal was my first and was an experience I'll never forget.

Having conditions suitable to fly is not often a given - the pilot is at the mercy of the weather. And it all can come down to the last second whether to fly or not. My flight was supposed to take place last year, but wind left the balloons grounded on the day we were to launch. This year, Thursday was too windy, Friday the currents where we were to launch could have led to an emergency landing at the city dump or an off-limits wheat field, so our day to fly was scheduled for Sunday.

A lot is involved in leading to "a thumbs up" from the launch director, but the seasoned crew clearly had a set routine to ensure a safe trip. Everyone pitched in to get us airborne.

After soaring high above the crowd below, we were off across town, drifting over Walla Walla at daybreak. The view of Walla Walla from above provided another perspective of downtown and our beautiful valley. Neighbors waved from below and dogs barked as our fleet made its way towards the airport - our destination for the morning. One by one the balloons touched down, and it took a seasoned pilot like ours to successfully land without incident.

Thank you Captain Crystal and crew for my "Up, Up, and Away Special Mother's Day."

Earth Day 2009

It is Earth Day and like all of us, I have been examining my business practices and am trying to be more "green." Yes, I am trying to do my part by thinking locally, having more insulation, installing a heat pump, using environmentally friendly products, growing veggies, and recycling. But I've realized that I am doing something more. My purchasing habits have been environmentally responsible because I am reusing and recycling furniture, accessories, and building materials.

The Haven of Dayton was built in 1870 and I used ebay, Craigslist, estate sales, antique stores, and thrift shops to outfit the home in vintage style.

At The Haven in Walla Walla, I just completed a new bathroom and searched out interesting vintage pieces to make the new addition unique. I brought in an old built-in hutch taken from a building in Seattle, an old glass door and hardware from a salvage yard, a Craigslist Empire Style dresser for a sink cabinet, and various ebay light fixtures.

The result is a win-win for all involved. I offer environmentally friendly vacation properties that provide "an experience" that guests may not have at other lodging facilities.

In honor of Earth Day, there are many ways to do our part to be "more green" and the first step we can all make today is to look at how we live and how it affects our planet.

Ending One's Life in Walla Walla __________ a tribute to my mom

LaVone Joyce Satzinger
January 21, 1925 - January 2, 2009

Mom was only a resident of Walla Walla for less than a year, but during that time she enjoyed all the valley has to offer.

LaVone came to visit from Santa Barbara last year for Easter and I thought it would be better if she stayed. Her Alzheimer's Disease had reached a new level and it was clear she needed constant care. Within a month her belongings were shipped to Walla Walla and she settled into Wheatland Village.

During LaVone's stay in Walla Walla, she jumped right in to assist with Haven Walla Walla, helped out with The Sustainable Living Fair, and for a short time, she sang with The Walla Walla Sweet Adeline's.

She partook in Spring Release '09, even though she later swore she didn't taste any wine. She received the basics of growing grapes at Cayuse Vineyards, but couldn't recall the importance of "the stones."

She loved Pioneer Park, and continued to review pictures to remind herself of the experience. She loved the local dining, but couldn't remember that Saffron was her favorite. Out-of-town family and friends were eagerly welcomed, but unfortunately the visits left her memory the moment they left town.

But one thing she did always remember is that her Walla Walla daughter, granddaughter, and greatgrand dogs Arnie & Jessie were here to love and support her.

Playing Tourist

I thought I'd better take my own advice and "play tourist" with an afternoon visit to Fort Walla Walla Museum before it closes for the season. What a find! No wonder the tour buses make this place a "must see" when visiting Eastern Washington.

Visitors view Indian and Military artifacts; explore early horse-era agricultural equipment; and experience life at a 17-building pioneer settlement. Volunteers serve as docents and give living history performances throughout the museum property.

What a delightful afternoon. Life in Walla Walla continues to be full of new experiences.